Genesis 34:11 - Shechem said to her father and to her brothers, “Let me find favor in your eyes, and whatever you will tell me I will give.
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What does "Genesis 34:11" mean?
This verse from Genesis 34:11 is part of the story of Dinah, Jacob's daughter, and Shechem, the son of Hamor the Hivite. After Shechem sexually violates Dinah (Genesis 34:2), he wants to marry her. This verse represents his attempt to make amends and secure her hand in marriage.
Here's a breakdown of the verse:
"Shechem said to her father and to her brothers...": Shechem is addressing the key decision-makers in Dinah's family. While Jacob is her father, her brothers hold significant influence, especially in matters of honor and marriage.
"Let me find favor in your eyes...": This is a common phrase used to express a desire to be well-regarded and accepted. Shechem is essentially pleading for their approval and goodwill.
"...and whatever you will tell me I will give.": This is the crucial part. Shechem is offering a blank check (or, more accurately, an open-ended promise) to Jacob and her brothers. He's saying he will pay any bride-price (dowry) they demand, give them land, or do anything else they require to allow him to marry Dinah. This is intended to demonstrate his sincerity and willingness to make amends for his actions.
In essence, the verse reveals Shechem's attempt to legitimize his actions and legitimize his desire to marry Dinah by offering anything the family wants in exchange for their consent.
Important Context and Interpretation:
Forced Marriage: While Shechem expresses love for Dinah and a desire to marry her, the entire situation is initiated by his act of violating her. This adds a layer of complexity and raises ethical questions about the proposed marriage.
The Family's True Intent: Jacob's sons (especially Simeon and Levi) are deceitful in their response. They use this opportunity to plot revenge against Shechem and his people, the Hivites. They feign agreement but set a condition (circumcision of all Hivite men) that leads to their vulnerability and ultimately their massacre. The family's true intent is not reconciliation but revenge and plunder.
Power Dynamics: The verse highlights the power dynamics of the time, where a woman's fate was often decided by her male relatives, and marriage was seen as a way to establish relationships or settle disputes between families and tribes.
Therefore, this verse isn't just about a proposal; it's about a power struggle, a forced marriage, and the deceitful intentions of Dinah's brothers. It sets the stage for the tragic events that follow.
Genesis 34:11 - Shechem said to her father and to her brothers, “Let me find favor in your eyes, and whatever you will tell me I will give.
What does "Genesis 34:11" mean?
This verse from Genesis 34:11 is part of the story of Dinah, Jacob's daughter, and Shechem, the son of Hamor the Hivite. After Shechem sexually violates Dinah (Genesis 34:2), he wants to marry her. This verse represents his attempt to make amends and secure her hand in marriage.
Here's a breakdown of the verse:
"Shechem said to her father and to her brothers...": Shechem is addressing the key decision-makers in Dinah's family. While Jacob is her father, her brothers hold significant influence, especially in matters of honor and marriage.
"Let me find favor in your eyes...": This is a common phrase used to express a desire to be well-regarded and accepted. Shechem is essentially pleading for their approval and goodwill.
"...and whatever you will tell me I will give.": This is the crucial part. Shechem is offering a blank check (or, more accurately, an open-ended promise) to Jacob and her brothers. He's saying he will pay any bride-price (dowry) they demand, give them land, or do anything else they require to allow him to marry Dinah. This is intended to demonstrate his sincerity and willingness to make amends for his actions.
In essence, the verse reveals Shechem's attempt to legitimize his actions and legitimize his desire to marry Dinah by offering anything the family wants in exchange for their consent.
Important Context and Interpretation:
Forced Marriage: While Shechem expresses love for Dinah and a desire to marry her, the entire situation is initiated by his act of violating her. This adds a layer of complexity and raises ethical questions about the proposed marriage.
The Family's True Intent: Jacob's sons (especially Simeon and Levi) are deceitful in their response. They use this opportunity to plot revenge against Shechem and his people, the Hivites. They feign agreement but set a condition (circumcision of all Hivite men) that leads to their vulnerability and ultimately their massacre. The family's true intent is not reconciliation but revenge and plunder.
Power Dynamics: The verse highlights the power dynamics of the time, where a woman's fate was often decided by her male relatives, and marriage was seen as a way to establish relationships or settle disputes between families and tribes.
Therefore, this verse isn't just about a proposal; it's about a power struggle, a forced marriage, and the deceitful intentions of Dinah's brothers. It sets the stage for the tragic events that follow.